Viasat identifies network of opportunity and industry trends for year ahead
This is a special feature from the AIME Dubai 2025 issue of PAX Tech, on page 22.
Royal Jordanian Airlines first Viasat-equipped aircraft entered service in 2024
Viasat has long been investing in satellite innovation to have a robust, multi-orbit satellite roadmap for the future. These investments are designed to deliver on industry trends taking off in 2025, such as heavy streaming usage, free Wi-Fi offerings, demand in newer markets and data usage on personal electronic devices. As Don Buchman, SVP and GM, Commercial Aviation, Viasat, tells PAX Tech, connectivity alone is no longer enough.
Don Buchman, SVP and GM, Commercial Aviation, Viasat
The question he asks is, “How can we do more with it?”
As airlines and suppliers gather in the MEASA region for AIME and MRO ME this month, Buchman explains that airlines can focus on taking that connectivity to the next level, tying in branding elements, driving more loyalty, engagements and brand interactions with each passenger.
“High quality connectivity is the backbone of all this opportunity, and delivering a suite of valuable services on top of that connectivity is where so much of the innovation is happening now,” Buchman explains.
Enabling a five-star experience
Viasat is no stranger to working with airlines in the MEASA region. In 2024, Royal Jordanian selected Viasat’s inflight connectivity solution for more than 40 aircraft. Buchman tells PAX Tech that installations are underway on Royal Jordanian’s fleet and the first Viasat-equipped aircraft entered service last year.
“The rollout is evidence of the significant investment and dedication to passenger experience from Royal Jordanian,” Buchman says.
The installations will encompass new additions to the carrier’s fleet, including the E2s, A320, A321s and 787-9 aircraft, as well as upgrades to existing 787-8s. The service includes free Wi-Fi for Business Class and premier loyalty passengers, and sponsored internet for free, time-limited sessions.
When considering recent trends and the unique requirements for IFC in the MEASA region, Buchman says, “It’s well known that airlines in the MEASA region are committed, above all else, to a superb, world-leading passenger experience. Nowadays, this must include inflight connectivity.”
This is evidenced by the results of Viasat’s recent Passenger Experience Survey, which finds that 83 percent of respondents in the UAE say they are more likely to rebook with an airline that offers inflight connectivity.
“They demand connectivity in the skies equivalent to what they experience in day-to-day life,” Buchman explains. “Our airline partners in MEASA are all striving to provide this as part of their five-star service offerings.”
He adds that the “five-star” connectivity experience goes beyond having reliable Wi-Fi onboard. It requires airlines to deliver a personalized digital experience with a capable connectivity platform where passengers can stream favourite shows, watch Live Sports or even book experiences and transport for when they arrive at the destination.
Viasat’s survey results indicate that 51 percent of respondents in the UAE say they would like access to personal streaming accounts, and 46 percent say they would like to benefit from destination services. Fulfilling these demands allows the airline to deliver that “five-star experience.”
Speed, bandwidth and capacity depth
Passengers using connected devices inflight
As proof of Viasat’s track record in increasing bandwidth productivity on satellites, Buchman points to capacity from satellite ViaSat-3 F1, which has been servicing routes to Hawaii for multiple airlines since last fall.
With peak download speeds in excess of 100 Mbps, passengers experience true broadband connectivity, including streaming services and VPN usage inflight. While Buchman says speed is not the only indicator of high-quality Wi-Fi performance, it is representative of the satellite’s capabilities, even with impairment.
“In the MEASA region today, and, in fact, across the globe, Viasat is well-positioned to provide consistent capacity depth with its existing satellite network while we continue to layer on flexible, multi-orbit capacity from next-generation Viasat and partner satellites in the coming years,” he explains.
